Flavorful Freshwater Snail Ssamjang (Gangledjang)
Make Delicious Freshwater Snail Ssamjang at Home! Learn the Secret to Cleaning Snails Perfectly.
Craving a special side dish tonight? This recipe teaches you how to make a rich and savory Gangledjang (a type of fermented soybean paste stew) packed with fresh freshwater snails. It’s incredibly easy and guaranteed to be a hit with rice!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack Freshwater Snails (cleaned)
- 3 Tbsp All-purpose Flour (for cleaning snails)
- 1/2 Onion
- A small piece of Zucchini
- A small piece of Carrot
- 1/2 Scallion
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup Water (100ml)
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch Slurry (mix 3 Tbsp water with 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup Water (100ml)
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch Slurry (mix 3 Tbsp water with 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Using fresh ingredients will bring out the best flavor in your Gangledjang.
Step 2
Finely mince all the washed vegetables (onion, zucchini, carrot, scallion). While you can chop them by hand, using a food processor or chopper will make it much faster and ensure uniform pieces. Finely chopped vegetables allow the seasoning to be absorbed evenly, resulting in a more delicious dish.
Step 3
Here’s the key to cleaning the snails without any fishy smell! Place the freshwater snails in a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. The flour will absorb any impurities and slimy residue, making the snails clean.
Step 4
Gently knead the snails with the flour for about 2-3 minutes, as if giving them a massage. Continue until they feel smooth and the sliminess is gone. This process helps to remove any unpleasant odor.
Step 5
After kneading, rinse the snails thoroughly under cold running water using a sieve. It’s crucial to wash them repeatedly until the water runs clear to remove all traces of flour and impurities.
Step 6
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and onions and sauté until fragrant and the onions become translucent. Once the onions are softened, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute to release its aroma.
Step 7
Add the cleaned freshwater snails to the fragrant sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt at this stage; this helps to remove any remaining odor from the snails and provides a light seasoning.
Step 8
Add the minced zucchini, carrot, and any other remaining vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry briefly, then pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 9
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in 3 tablespoons of Gochujang and 1 tablespoon of Doenjang, ensuring they are well dissolved and there are no clumps.
Step 10
This is a crucial step for developing the rich flavor of the Gangledjang! Simmer gently over low heat, with the lid partially or fully open, allowing the water from the vegetables and pastes to reduce. As it simmers, the flavors will deepen considerably. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry (3 Tbsp water + 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch) while stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to make it too thin or too thick.
Step 11
When the Gangledjang has reached a thick, stew-like consistency, turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for an extra layer of flavor and aroma. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Your delicious Freshwater Snail Gangledjang is now complete!
Step 12
Transfer the finished Gangledjang to a serving dish. It’s perfect for mixing into hot rice or enjoying with fresh leafy greens for a delightful meal.
Step 13
Enjoy your homemade Freshwater Snail Gangledjang – a flavorful dish that will surely awaken your appetite!
